Eric Raymond Willey of Osceola died unexpectedly on June 4, 2022 in a car accident. He was 52 years old.
Eric was born to Raymond and Karen (Kluss) Willey in St. Croix Falls on December 13, 1969. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington.
Eric started school at Cedar Lake School and then attended school in Osceola until graduating from Osceola High School in 1988. During his school years, he was involved in FFA and wrestling.
On June 12, 1993, Eric married the love of his life, Melissa Campeau, and was blessed with two children, Brandon and Brittany.
He worked the third shift at ITP in St. Croix Falls for many years and then moved to MPP to work the third shift in Osceola. From a young age, Eric learned hard work skills tending the lawn and working on local dairy farms. He was able to pursue his love of the outdoors by starting Willey’s Lawn and Outdoor Services. After years of taking his kids pedaling, Eric decided to share his passion with others by establishing River Valley Pedal Tractor Pulls, LLC. He was recently named president of the Wisconsin State Pedal Traction Association and voted as a director on the board of the National Pedal Traction Association. Through the years, Melissa stood by his side supporting his many endeavors.
Eric loved hunting deer, squirrels, and raccoons; ice fishing; cheering on his Green Bay Packers; cultivate his gardens (pumpkins, gourds, etc.); old tractor traction; all his pets; and spend time with his friends and family. His greatest achievements were his two children, Brandon and Brittany. He loved attending the pedals and getting great deals at yard sales and Mr. Deals. He frequently stopped by Kwik Trip to rack up bounties on him.
He was one of the last of the best.
Eric was preceded in death by his father, Raymond and his grandparents, Fred and Zeatta Kluss and Thomas and Opal Willey.
Eric is survived by his wife of 29 years, Melissa; son, Brandon (Sabrina) Willey; daughter, Brittany (Luke) Lindahl; grandson, Walker Eric Willey; mother, Karen Willey; siblings, Mark Willey and Robyn (Corrine) Willey; godson/nephew, Ryan Willey; nephews, Codie Campeau and Derek Campeau; niece, Paige Perlock-Campeau; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dale and Judy Campeau; sister-in-law, Kristie (Kris Perlock-Campeau) Campeau-Perlock; aunt/godmother, Helen Jorgenson; many other relatives and friends, and of course his dogs Taxie and Max.
Instead of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.
A funeral was held on June 10 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Burial was in Farmington Cemetery in Osceola immediately after the service.